/ Photo by Alexa Viscius
LUNAR VACATION Brings "Everything Matters, Everything's Fire" Tour to The Handlebar
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JOHN APPLEYARD The Florida and Caribbean Advertising Hall of Fame will induct Pensacola advertising executive and historian John H. Appleyard (1922-2020) later this month. The honorees were nominated by their peers and voted into the Hall of Fame as a recognition for their ongoing commitments to being active in their communities with philanthropic endeavors, mentoring others and creating the business practices followed today in the advertising industry. Appleyard was a cornerstone of Pensacola's business community while simultaneously developing his passion for local history. His legacy includes authoring over 100 books that brought Pensacola's past to life through both historical novels and non-fiction works.
THE WAWA FOUNDATION Feeding the Gulf Coast has been awarded a $10,000 "Fly Beyond" grant from The Wawa Foundation to enhance its Backpack Program. This program provides weekend meals to children when school is not in session. The grant will specifically expand access to fresh, nutritious produce for underserved youth throughout the central Gulf Coast region. The Wawa Foundation is distributing $1.5 million to 29 organizations as part of their initiative to combat food insecurity by increasing access to nutritious meals for children. In 2024, Feeding the Gulf Coast distributed 35 million meals through more than 800 community partners in 24 counties across South Alabama, South Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.
STEPHANIE EDDINS The founder of Emerald Shores Humane Society and appointed animal cruelty investigator for Florida's 1st Judicial Circuit has expanded her animal welfare expertise internationally. With a lifelong dedication to animal care—serving as a veterinary technician and later as an animal cruelty investigator in Escambia County since 2011—Eddins has built a reputation for excellence in animal protection. In January 2025, Eddins conducted intensive training for Aruba's Police Force, establishing the island's first animal cruelty task force. Aruban officers have since traveled to the U.S. for additional training, and Eddins plans regular return visits to continue building the program. This international partnership promises to transform animal welfare for hundreds of thousands of domestic animals across Aruba.
JAMES UTHMEIER The University of Florida can thank Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier for the disastrous hire of former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse as UF president. In 2022, DeSantis signed a bill that shielded university presidential searches from public scrutiny, allowing UF's search committee to present Sasse as the sole finalist without publicly considering other candidates. Uthmeier, the governor's chief of staff at the time, reportedly guided Sasse through the search process. Last July, Sasse resigned, citing family health issues, as reports of his lavish spending and hiring of outof-state friends came to light. Sasse continues to draw an annual salary of $1 million as a UF professor and external adviser. Meanwhile, DeSantis is upset that the House wants searches to be public again.
CENTRAL WATER WORKS Customers may be missing their bills this month due to a postal mishap. Bills sent to the McDavid Post Office on March 25 for processing and forwarding to Pensacola's main facility on Jordan Street apparently never reached the customers. Those needing their current balance can contact Central Water Works directly by phone. Alternatively, they can register for the utility's online billing system, which provides access to bills dating back to January 2024. The online system only allows bill viewing, but the utility plans to implement online payment capabilities in June.
DESANTIS'S UWF TRUSTEES
On Jan. 6, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed five men to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. Boise State professor Scott Yenor resigned last week after it became clear that he would not be confirmed by the Florida Senate. The other out-of-state appointee, Adam Kissel from West Virginia, was rejected in March by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. The remaining trio, Paul Bailey, Gates Garcia and Chris Young, imitated Sergeant Schultz from "Hogan's Heroes," claiming they knew nothing about Yenor's anti-women views when they elected him the board chairman. While several senators did not believe their denials, the three men were forwarded favorably to the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
James Uthmeier / Photo Courtesy of myfloridalegal.com
John Appleyard / Photo Courtesy of Studer Community Institute
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
HEARING THE PEOPLE'S VOICE
Scott Yenor's recent resignation from the University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees marks a substantial victory for academic freedom and local governance in higher education. Community advocacy remains a potent force, even against demagogues.
When Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed five new trustees to UWF in January 2025, none were UWF alumni or Pensacola area residents. Most concerning was the appointment of Boise State professor Scott Yenor, who was swiftly elected board chairman despite his troubling history of statements that denigrate career-oriented women as "medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome."
The grassroots movement Save UWF mobilized rapidly, gathering signatures, staging protests and making their voices heard in Tallahassee. Their message was clear: UWF belongs to the community, not to political operatives with no connection to Pensacola or understanding of the university's unique role in the region.
As Sen. Don Gaetz remarked after Yenor's resignation: "We live in a time when our words and our actions follow us everywhere. And Mr. Yenor's background, including his most recent background, did not lend itself well to even the highly conservative population of Northwest Florida."
In his resignation email, Yenor denied that any of Save UWF's efforts factored into his decision. Instead, he blamed opposition from "a group within Florida's senate." He called highereducation changes led by Gov. DeSantis "models for the country" and said he was "looking forward to bringing the governor's positive vision for higher education to UWF as a member of the board."
However, Gov. DeSantis has not visited Pensacola since making his appointments. We have no idea what his "positive vision" for UWF is, and his loyal supporters in this community are baffled as to why he wanted to remake the board of a highly successful university.
While Yenor's resignation is a cause for celebration, our work is not yet complete. Adam Kissel, another controversial DeSantis appointee with troubling views on privatizing public universities, was rejected by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education but still faces a hearing before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
Last week, we were stunned to hear the remaining DeSantis appointees, who unanimously voted to make Yenor chairman, claimed ignorance of his controversial views when questioned
under oath by the Senate. Attorneys Chris Young and Paul Bailey asserted they would have voted differently had they been aware of these views, raising questions about their due diligence.
Tampa podcaster Gates Garcia's testimony was particularly troubling. Despite being a 2024 Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow—the same organization where Yenor serves as a Washington Fellow and Senior Director of State Coalitions in Florida—Garcia repeatedly denied knowing about Yenor's controversial views. He claimed to have researched only Yenor's positions on "education reform," somehow missing the numerous articles, protests and widespread criticism that prominently appear in even the most basic search of Yenor's name.
When pressed by Senator Jennifer Bradley about how he could have missed these statements, Garcia offered only vague deflections: "I was familiar with his work in education reform." Bradley rightfully found this "interesting," as Yenor's views on women in higher education are central to his education philosophy, not peripheral.
Garcia admitted he applied for the UWF position only because "I go where the governor asks of my services," not because of any particular interest in or connection to Northwest Florida. He didn't even complete his application until January 22—the day before his first board meeting and two weeks after his appointment. Both are indications that DeSantis is the architect of this takeover at UWF.
Inweekly has argued that local trustees bring an invaluable understanding of regional needs, workforce demands and community values. They have personal stakes in the university's success and deep connections to those who make up the campus community.
As we move forward, we must continue advocating for trustees who reflect our community's values and have genuine connections to Northwest Florida. UWF has excelled under its current leadership, setting enrollment records and performing admirably on state metrics. We don't need ideologically driven outsiders to "fix" what isn't broken.
Academic freedom and institutional independence require vigilance. The Pensacola community has spoken: UWF belongs to us all, and we will continue fighting to keep it that way. {in} rick@inweekly.net
ECSO'S THREE-YEAR PATH TO EXCELLENCE
him. You're obviously aware of the NAS shooting, the terrorist attack. Some people get out, and they do all the training. They're doing great, and then the calls for service just can be relentless. This job is not for everyone. So, there is a
ECSO primarily recruits in Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Simmons said his preference is to hire locally because the deputies already have a support system in place. The sheriff said the area offers an advantage with a large number of military veterans interested in
"They're typically a little more mature, and it's a really good fit into law enforcement." Simmons
"We want to target them," Simmons said. "They've been through boot camp. They're typically a little more mature, and it's a really good fit into law enforcement."
TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT
While personnel will eat up the lion's share of the new budget, ECSO will continue to invest in technology. ECSO operates a Real-Time Crime Center established after Simmons took office. Star Network is a specialized facility within ECSO that utilizes advanced technology and data analytics to gather, analyze and disseminate real-time information related to criminal activities and public safety.
In 2023, ECSO added a gunshot detection system, ShotSpotter, to the Real-Time Crime Center. ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors connected wirelessly to its centralized, cloud-based application to reliably detect and accurately trian-
Another technological advancement since Simmons took office is the establishment of a drone unit. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging technology provide real-time aerial views. The drones prove particularly valuable in search and rescue operations, and crime scene investigations.
"If we have a call where an individual has fled from the scene and he's in a wooded area, typically we would have a deputy on at least in the corners, and then we'd have to call a canine, and then we'd have to have enough people to march through the wooded area for a potential gunman," Simmons said.
He continued, "Now, with a drone program, you can pop a drone up there with a heat signature, and you can find this individual or see if they're there much quicker."
The sheriff said the technology is paying dividends, but an increased deputy presence on the streets will improve the response time and, in turn, increase arrests and deter criminals.
Simmons added, "We're going to continue to do the technology ramp-up, but nothing really gets done unless you have a deputy on the street that can respond to that call." {in}
Chip Simmons / Photo Courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff's Office
ANDRADE GRILLS ACHA State Rep. Alex Andrade, chair of the House Health Care Budget Committee, engaged in a heated exchange with officials from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) during an April 9 committee meeting about a potentially misdirected $10 million Medicaid settlement to Hope Florida.
The questioning, which lasted over an hour, prompted AHCA to issue a statement criticizing Rep. Andrade, accusing him of ambushing the agency. The Pensacola lawmaker explained to Inweekly that there are "two very distinct Hope Florida initiatives" at the state level that have been promoted by Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The first is a direct support organization (DSO) for the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Andrade said, "The First Lady got involved with Hope Florida and tried to frame it as, 'We're going to use the private community, nonprofit organizations and churches to help people get off welfare,' which seems like a noble cause."
The second initiative consists of state agency employees retitled as "Hope Navigators."
"The whole premise is essentially that these Hope Navigators are state employees who are supposed to just be doing their jobs better," Andrade stated. "I can't understand the distinction there, but apparently state agency employees, before they were retitled Hope navigators, were never helping Floridians get connected with other agencies when needs were identified."
What raised concerns for the lawmaker was discovering Hope Florida has been "injected" into Medicaid-managed care contracts in concerning ways.
"What we discovered in this new contract was that Hope Florida has just been injected into this contract in some very bizarre ways, to the point where managed care companies have to share healthcare data with Hope Florida," he said. "I don't know why they would need that information."
Last year, Centene, which owns Sunshine Health in Florida, agreed to pay the AHCA a $67 million out-of-court settlement, with $10 million directed to Hope Florida.
"Instead of taking the settlement money that was paid by this large company and putting it back into the state coffers, they said, '$10 million of what you owe us, just give it to the Hope Florida Foundation at DCF,' which makes no sense," Andrade said. "It's a violation of state law to not take settlement funds and put them back into general revenue."
After the committee meeting, agency heads, including AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris, appeared in a video defending Hope Florida. Harris stated, "It was clear that it was an ambush, an attack, on Hope Florida."
Andrade described the video as resembling "a hostage video," with officials "blankly reading a script."
Key questions remain unanswered, according to Andrade: "Why did AHCA feel justified in directing state taxpayer money to a separate agency's direct support organization? What was that money intended for, and why does Hope
Florida feature so prominently in the state's largest contract?"
The lawmaker expressed concerns about financial transparency. Andrade said, "The issue comes with an agency's DSO refusing to produce their form 990 to the IRS. They've never filed a 990 with the IRS and they're refusing to share with us who's donated to them and when and what they're spending their money on."
He added, "These are simple questions. This is not rocket science. This is just good governance, and they're simply refusing to participate in that conversation."
Andrade also worries about federal compliance issues, noting that the federal government provides 60% of Florida's Medicaid spending, which comes with significant regulatory requirements.
The situation continues to develop as lawmakers seek greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida initiative and its funding.
BYE, SCOTT Scott Yenor, the Boise State political science professor appointed to the University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees by Gov. Ron DeSantis, resigned from his position last week, citing "opposition to my nomination among a group within Florida's senate."
In his resignation email to UWF President Martha Saunders, Yenor described himself as a "patriotic reformer" who believes that the "higher education status quo is bad for our country." He praised DeSantis, stating that the governor's "higher education reforms are models for the country."
However, Yenor's appointment had faced substantial pushback from the local community through the "Save UWF" movement. The group celebrated his resignation as a "significant victory," noting concerns about Yenor's past statements describing career-driven women as "medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome."
State Senator Don Gaetz, whose committee needed to approve Yenor's appointment, told The News Service of Florida that Yenor "did the gentlemanly thing, because gentlemen don't go where no one wants them." Gaetz further explained that Yenor's background "did not lend itself well to even the highly conservative population of Northwest Florida."
Save UWF also highlighted that Yenor had no connections to UWF or Pensacola, raising concerns that "political agendas—not our students' futures—were being prioritized in shaping the university's leadership."
The group's message to supporters: "We made it clear that this university belongs to all of us. And we're going to fight to keep it that way."
Idaho residents familiar with Yenor expressed relief at the news, with one activist remarking, "I'm glad to know Florida is more sane!"
THEY DIDN'T KNOW?
Yenor's resignation came as Gov. DeSantis' appointees to the board faced questioning under oath from the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education about their decision to elect Yenor as chairman. Despite objections raised during the
hearing, all three appointees received favorable votes to advance to the Senate Ethics & Elections Committee.
During testimony, the appointees—Chris Young, Gates Garcia and Paul Bailey—claimed they were unaware of Yenor's controversial statements about women when they voted him into the leadership position.
"I did vote for him. In hindsight, if I had known about the context of the comments that were made, I would stand before you and tell you that that was a bad decision," Young testified. "The things that have come out about the comments that he's made are not what I stand for. They're not what I believe in."
When Garcia said he, too, was unaware of Yenor's views, Senator Carlos Smith challenged Garcia, asking, "So you were aware of all of the controversial comments he's made about women, about Jews and about gays, and you just didn't want to address any of that?"
Garcia insisted, "I was not aware of those statements when I made those comments. My comments were specifically on education reform as they're quoted."
When Smith pressed further about the widespread media coverage, Garcia defended his position: "The areas of education and education reform, which is what the university is, are what the governor appointed me to do at the school. That's where I was engaged."
Senator Jennifer Bradley expressed skepticism: "I wonder why you would explore the background of this individual and choose him when his comments are not supportive of what you've just described as being an important goal of yours."
When Smith read Yenor's statement that "every effort must be made not to recruit women into engineering" and that an all-male Nobel Prize roster would be "a cause for celebration," Bailey echoed Young's regret: "In hindsight, if I had the knowledge that I have now, I would not have voted for him."
HOME-GROWN TRUSTEES The House Education & Employment Committee passed an amended version of HB 1321, legislation filed by Rep. Michelle Salzman aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in Florida's higher education system.
Effective Jan. 6, 2027, appointed members of the Board of Governors (BOG) or University Boards of Trustees must be United States citizens and either Florida residents or graduates of relevant state universities. Positions held by individuals not meeting these requirements will be deemed vacant after this date.
A significant provision repeals existing public records exemptions for presidential searches at state universities and colleges. Rep. Salzman explained that the previous "shade" in the process necessitated greater transparency, especially considering that education represents Florida's second-largest budget expenditure.
The bill also sets specific term limits: BOG members will serve seven-year terms, State Board of Education members four years and university trustees five years, all limited to two terms. Board
chairs may serve in that position for only two years and for a single term only.
The bill garnered support from stakeholders, including the AFL-CIO. Its representative, Dr. Rich Templin, noted that it would help restore self-governance by involving students, community members and business leaders in higher education decision-making.
PRESSER NOTES
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves provided updates on several city initiatives during his weekly press conference on April 9, also addressing a disturbing incident in which teenagers attacked an unhoused individual.
The city has selected L.M. Sessler Excavating & Wrecking as the top-ranked company for the Baptist Hospital demolition project. Although the exact bid amount remains undisclosed due to a pending protest, Mayor Reeves confirmed that the cost falls within the $15.9 million budget. Sessler's proposal stood out for including road repair provisions and plans to mitigate noise and dust by refraining from crushing concrete on-site.
"Cities and counties don't come across acreage like this for residential to help potentially solve the largest national issue facing our country," Reeves noted, pointing out the site's importance for addressing housing needs. County officials appeared supportive of potential funding partnerships.
Regarding the Pensacola Bay Center site, the mayor said the county would form a "nimble" collaborative subcommittee with representatives from the county, city, Downtown Improvement Board and Florida Department of Transportation to engage with a potential master planner.
"This is not successful if it's just a city or just a mayor idea. It's successful if it's all of our idea," Reeves said.
The mayor condemned a "shameful video" showing teenagers attacking an unhoused individual near Graffiti Bridge late on Friday, April 4. Despite the victim declining to press charges, the Pensacola Police Department is pursuing the case with the state attorney's office. PPD spokesman Mike Wood described the footage as "nothing short of shocking."
"It was certainly painful to watch. And again, that's why we aren't stopping this conversation at whether this particular victim felt the need to press charges or not," said Reeves.
Less than 24 hours after the press conference, Pensacola Police announced two juveniles had been arrested and charged with battery.
NEW TRAINING FACILITY
Last week, Pensacola State College (PSC) celebrated the expansion of its aviation education programs with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 34,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Program at Pensacola International Airport.
The program has already received valuable contributions from industry partners. InDyne Corporation, owned by Don Bishop, donated a 1982 Fairchild Merlin IV aircraft, while PSC is working with U.S. Air Force leadership to acquire
a decommissioned T1 Jayhawk from Naval Air Station Pensacola.
PSC President Ed Meadows underscored the program's strategic importance, noting that aviation maintenance development aligns with significant industry presence in the region, including ST Engineering's operations, Leonardo Helicopters in Santa Rosa County and numerous local aviation maintenance businesses.
The first cohort of students began the 18-month FAA-aligned certification program in August 2024, with additional students anticipated to join in May. Mike Listau, Dean of Workforce Education at PSC, emphasized that the program tackles the critical shortage of trained aircraft mechanics in the workforce.
While construction proceeds on the permanent facility, students are currently training in space provided by ST Engineering, offering them a unique opportunity to observe real-world aviation maintenance operations, including aircraft conversion projects.
The program has attracted a diverse student population, including veterans transitioning from military service, dual-enrollment high school students and members of the general public. PSC has assembled a team of instructors primarily composed of semi-retired military personnel who have embarked on second careers in education.
During the ceremony, Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, surprised attendees by presenting a $100,000 scholarship check to support deserving students over the next five years. Lam expressed confidence in the future achievements of the students who will benefit from these educational opportunities.
A GOOD FIT
In a recent interview, Bill Mitchem, Managing Partner of Beggs & Lane, shared insights on the firm's upcoming joining with the New Orleans-based law firm Phelps, effective May 1. The strategic move will bring Pensacola's oldest law firm into a regional network spanning the Gulf Coast.
"Joining a regional firm like Phelps was a good fit for us," Mitchem explained. "From my perspective, it is going to allow us to continue to grow our practice and service our clients who have grown both in size and expanded geographically."
Mitchem emphasized the cultural compatibility between the historic firms. "We're an 1883 law firm. They're an 1853 law firm," he noted, adding that both organizations share similar attorney retention patterns with many long-tenured partners.
The decision responds directly to changes Mitchem has observed in Pensacola since return-
ing in 1999. "Pensacola has changed a lot, a whole lot in that period of time, and the types of clients we have, and their scope and reach are much different than they were 25 years ago," he reflected.
When asked what changes local clients might see, Mitchem reassured that Phelps maintains significant local office autonomy. "I don't think you're going to see a whole lot of change. It is going to be called Phelps, so that's a change."
The principal benefit, according to Mitchem, will be enhanced client service. "When I have a client who asks me for some legal advice that was otherwise not something I could ask someone inhouse, I now can direct them to New Orleans or Baton Rouge or Tampa, Houston ... because now there's somebody who has that expertise."
Mitchem noted that unlike many law firm combinations driven by aging partnerships, Beggs & Lane brings "a relatively young firm, but we have a lot of hungry lawyers who see this as opening up a lot of opportunity for them and giving them a chance to better serve their clients."
MARCH MADNESS Nine University of West Florida sport management students recently participated in a high-impact learning opportunity at the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. The students collaborated with Keep San Antonio Beautiful to promote sustainability
during the tournament while gaining firsthand experience in major event operations.
During their time in San Antonio, the students connected with Steve Zito, the assistant director of convention and sports facilities at the Alamodome, who is also a member of the UWF Sport Management Program advisory board. Senior Lauren Andrusko described the experience as "truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that taught her about the extensive planning required for such events.
This experience follows another significant opportunity in February when eight UWF sport management students volunteered at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Graduate student Javion Khan described the Super Bowl experience as "a dream come true" that showcased "how impactful those behind-the-scenes efforts really are."
The UWF Sport Management Program, housed in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, emphasizes experiential learning through participation in major sporting events. Dr. Gil Fried, associate dean and professor, highlighted these opportunities as essential learning experiences where students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while networking with industry professionals.
For more information, visit uwf.edu/sportmanagement. {in}
LUNAR VACATION'S
DAY OFF
By Savannah Evanoff
Lunar Vacation's Grace Repasky (vocals) and Maggie Geeslin (guitar) were having what might be the best day off work ever last Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles.
After crashing at their friend and music video creator's beautiful house, they drank good coffee, walked in perfect weather to a bakery for yummy (and free) pastries, where they met a stranger named Lena and her dog—and that's why they're understandably late for their phone interview with Inweekly.
"[Lena] was saying how she was proud of us for doing what we're doing, and we didn't know her," Geeslin said. "She was like, 'I'm so proud of you for being young women doing whatever you want to do.'"
"That was beautiful," Repasky added.
It's no surprise Repasky, who goes by Gep, and Geeslin are spending their day off from tour together. Currently roommates and bandmates— along with John Michael Young (bass), Connor Dowd (drums) and Matteo DeLurgio (keyboard)—they've also played music together since high school in Atlanta. Their band name was decided while standing in line at a Mac DeMarco concert in 2016.
In other words, their default status is together.
"We're basically just like siblings at this point," Geeslin said. "We get advice like siblings, and we make up just as fast like siblings, and we're just very comfortable with each other … We were just babies basically when we started, so we've evolved a lot, just naturally by going through our teens and twenties together. I would say all of our strengths have gotten stronger."
The culmination of those strengths can be heard in their latest single, "Lights Off," which gave them a taste of the self-production and self-recording to come on their next album.
"I usually write with just word vomit and seeing what phonetically sounds nice, or what just kind of sounds cohesive," Repasky said. "Then I realized that most of the lyrics were following the idea of, well, I stopped drinking last year, and it's been 14 months or something. So the lyrics are a nod to that, kind of a little love letter, farewell letter to my drinking days. It can also double as maybe a breakup song."
While Repasky writes most of the lyrics, the songs are a team effort. For example, "You Shouldn't Be," was something of a throwaway song Repasky wrote in the backseat of a car with an easily transportable nylon-string guitar. She sent the demo to her bandmates, and in short, they fucked around and found out.
"There's a really cool drum part on that song that's really awesome," Repasky said. "But they took out a chord from the demo; they made it completely different. It was so amazing and I was like, 'Do you guys really want to do this?' They were all like, 'Yes, this song is so sick.' I listened to what they did, and I was like, 'This is crazy. Like, so good.'"
One of the verses is "Everything's fine," and one of the band members said, "That's fire," which is how the 2024 album title, "Everything Matters, Everything's Fire" came to be.
"That has so many different meanings; it could be the slang, or it could just be a lot of the songs on that album are very emotional and talk-
ing about emotional things—and fire as an element is a very powerful thing," Repasky said. "Usually if someone's on fire, acting fiery, it's just a lot of emotion. So I was like, 'Wait, that kind of fits perfectly.'"
Having performed that album for months, Geeslin said their audiences sing "Tom" every night. And it's obvious Repasky puts heart into every song, because she debates with herself on the most emotional song on the album, eventually naming "Better Luck."
"The way we recorded 'Erase All the B's' was, we did it all in one take," Repasky said. "We all just played live together and kept that whole take, singing and everything—which is so not what I'm used to, because I love to be a perfectionist about my vocals and layer on harmonies and everything. But we kind of just went with the most raw version, so playing it live really feels like a special thing."
And while their music is of the soft and dreamy variety, often referred to as "bedroom pop," "pool rock" or just standalone indie, their shows aren't totally chill.
"I feel like it's a bit rowdier; we like to pick the most upbeat, distorted songs to play," Geeslin said. "I feel like we have a good time. There's mellow moments and rowdy moments. So we try to bookend the set with exciting songs and then have the more chill, mellow ones in the middle."
Lunar Vacation has performed a few times in Pensacola, fondly remembering their experience at a past Night Moves Fest.
"We have a really positive vibe toward Pensacola," Geeslin said. "We've played in Florida
a lot and probably Pensacola the least, but it's cool because it kind of has the swampy vibe of New Orleans … every time we go, people are like, 'People never come to Florida. Thank you for coming to Florida.' I definitely have special warm feelings toward playing in Florida."
As for the future, Lunar Vacation plans to cease living together this summer (for their sanity); they'll still see each other daily, expanding metaphorically in their music as they do geographically.
"We are planning on recording just all ourselves this fall," Geeslin said. "Don't know exactly what's going to come out of that yet, but Gep has a lot of really amazing demos that we're excited to work on … We want to keep doing this and keep touring and keep putting out music."
"Probably forever," Repasky added. {in}
LUNAR VACATION "EVERYTHING MATTERS, EVERYTHING'S FIRE"
TOUR
WHAT: Lunar Vacation with Hannah Cole and Snake and the Rabbit
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19
WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.
COST: $17
DETAILS: lunarvacationband.com, thehandlebar850.com
Lunar Vacation / Photo by Alexa Viscius
Arts & Entertainment
Finding Beauty in the Everyday
Pensacola-based artist Juniper Lewis is on a mission to find the beauty in everyday life, bringing color and creativity to subject matter others may take for granted.
Operating under the whimsical brand name Kitchentomatoes, which they dreamed up as a teen, Lewis says they hope their art inspires childlike wonder.
"I'd like my art to spark that wonder and joy in people when they take a moment to experience it," said Lewis.
A multi-disciplinary artist and illustrator, Lewis finds inspiration in bold color choices.
"I love using a lot of color, and whatever I'm making, if it doesn't have a lot of color, I'm like, 'Okay, I'm bored,'" said Lewis.
While some artists prefer to hone in on one medium, Lewis prefers to remain fluid, always learning and discovering new ways to create.
"Month by month, I'm obsessed with something different," said Lewis.
Lewis works with ceramics, embroidery, collages, drawing, watercolor and digital art— for now.
"I think digital art is the only thing where I'm kind of like, 'I don't do that very much.' I'm definitely more interested in traditional mediums," said Lewis.
From a plate of sushi embroidered on clothing to the contents of a fridge laid out in stark relief on canvas, Lewis prefers sticking to familiar subject matter and incorporating larger-than-life hues.
"I'm inspired more by the beauty you can find in an everyday thing. A really pretty plate of food will inspire me, or things in nature, stuff like that," said Lewis.
Working with a base of academic experience, Lewis prefers to stumble their way into a new me -
dium, learning by experience rather than from instruction.
"I do prefer to just dive in, just try it," said Lewis. "I really like to just kind of mess around and figure out how to do something, rather than looking up tutorials. I like to try to teach myself and learn from my mistakes. That always feels a little more meaningful or like, honest to me in some ways, than having it all kind of laid out for me."
That instinct to just dive in was born when they were a child, exploring art the way many of us first do.
"I feel like with most artists, it's kind of similar—you start with the crayons and you just fall in love with art and art class in elementary school," said Lewis. They went on to become president of their high school art club and then completed an associates degree from Pensacola State College in 2019. Then, COVID derailed Lewis' plans to complete an illustration program at Maryland Institute's College of Art.
"It was really hard for me to try and go back," said Lewis. "So now I'm kind of in an in-between phase of trying to find a different school to finish out my degree at."
During said phase, Lewis has continued to explore their creative career between attending markets as an artist, building their Etsy page, and last summer, participating in a challenging sculpting course at Pensacola State College.
"We learned how to sculpt hands, faces. We made a cast, a casting of our own hands, and we sculpted it two times bigger than our hands, and it was a really difficult process. Sometimes I would leave [class] crying," said Lewis.
"It was really hard for me, because I don't really consider myself a sculptor, especially not trying to make something mathematically correct. So it was really difficult for me. But after decorating it, painting it and stuff like that, it's one of my favorite things that I've made."
In addition to tackling a new medium, Lewis left the class with a newfound sense of pride for reentering the academic world after a time away.
"It took a lot for me to do that, because I had also just moved back to Pensacola, and it was kind of hard coming back home. I was going through a lot in my personal life as well. So I was really proud I was able to stick it through and make something that intensive."
Today, Lewis says they have plans to ultimately finish their degree and achieve a residency in Beijing, China. But no matter what, they know art will always be a part of everything they do.
"Doing something creative and making art, it can be something that brings you some joy, so you don't get burnt out and so you can fight another day. Without art, I really don't know what would be keeping me going, you know? It's something that is so ingrained in who I am."
Lewis has also found a sense of community from their fellow artists, sometimes teaming up at art markets, collaborating on projects and celebrating members of their community in the art they make.
"I've had a lot of fellow queer people tell me that in my art they find a space of acceptance and celebration for queerness which is incredibly important to me as well," said Lewis. {in}
JUNIPER LEWIS'S KITCHENTOMATOES
@kitchentomatoes
etsy.com/shop/kitchentomatoesinc kitchentomatoes.myportfolio.com
Juniper Lewis / Courtesy Photos
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
GULF COAST KID'S HOUSE BENEFIT SHOW
Listen to Marigold's Apprentice, Feed Lemon, Morning Trips, Lunch Break at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.
OVER THE EDGE Take the leap to support the Arc Gateway's mission of providing the best possible life experiences to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Event is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Details at thearcgateway.crowdchange.co/41716.
30TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY PICNIC IN SEVILLE SQUARE Pensacola Civitan Club Community Picnic is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, Civitan cooks, a Pepsi Trailer, guitarist John Wheeler, Kazoo, the Pyramid Show Choir, a fire truck from Pensacola Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 409 leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Gulf Coast Model A Club, an Autism Pensacola display table, a Pensacola Civitan Club display table, face paint and balloons.
ACTS ONLINE FUNDRAISER ACTS is hosting an online fundraising raffle to help fund a 12-week support group for adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Tickets are $10 each, and all proceeds will go directly toward supporting the program. Raffle tickets can be purchased at weare-acts.com through April 19.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to one plant grouping per household. Plant giveaways will take place at the following locations:
•Friday, April 25: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Perdido Key Community Center, 15500 Perdido Key Drive
•Saturday, April 26: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pensacola Beach Community Church, 920 Panferio Drive
ARTS & CULTURE
EASTER EGG PAINTING WITH KITTIES
Head to Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. for an egg painting party with adoptable kitties 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Details and tickets at coastalcatpcola.com.
SYNTHESIS A group BFA exhibition featuring a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, fiber, photography, printmaking, digital media, graphic design and sculpture at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. An opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 18. Details at pensaccolamuseum.org.
EARTH DAY PENSACOLA Pensaco -
caniz St. Lecture is free and open to the public. Details at ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/pensacola-lecture-series.
HENRY CHO: THE EMPTY NEST TOUR Show is 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and details at pensacolasaenger.com.
2000S PARTY AT VINYL MUSIC HALL Event is 10 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Details at vinylmusichall.com.
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY AT BODACIOUS BOOKSTORE Celebrate independent bookstores with a Q&A with author Ginny Myers Sain from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., storytime at 11 a.m. and a Bubble Happy Hour. Located at 110 E. Intendencia St. Details at facebook.com/ bodaciousbookstore.
BLUE MORNING GALLERY: SPRING FLING
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are poptop canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 7233390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FAMILY AND SENIOR FUN DAY Community event with proceeds benefiting seniors and those with disabilities on the Gulf Coast. Activities include an egg drop, photo ops, games, prizes and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway.
WSRE PRESENTS BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY
WSRE PBS invites families to Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station's Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, located at 1000 College Blvd. This annual family-fun event emphasizes early learning, health and safety and the neighborly values of beloved PBS characters Mister Rogers and Daniel Tiger. Admission is free. Visit wsre.org/events to learn more.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY TO HOST FREE
COASTAL PLANT GIVEAWAY Escambia County will host free coastal plant giveaways for the public on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. Plants are
la's 35th annual Earth Day festival on Sunday April 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Bayview Park, located at 2001 E. Lloyd St. The event showcases sustainable living through a fun day of environmental education, art, live music, local food, green products and hands-on activities. Full event details at earthdaypensacola.com.
MENOPAUSE 2: THE MUSICAL Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and details at pensacolasaenger.com.
EASTER MOVIES AT LAGUNA'S Enjoy Easter movies Friday, April 18 at Laguna's, 460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 12 p.m. is "Peter Rabbit," and 6 p.m. is "Hop."
GALLERY NIGHT: VINTAGE VIBES AND VALOR The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 18 on South Palafox with 70 art vendors, live performances and more. Details at gallerynightpensacola.org.
NATIONAL CAT LADY DAY WITH KENDRA SCOTT Celebrate at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. $50 includes 1-hour entry into the cat lounge, Kendra Scott bracelet, 1 charm of your choice and 20% of jewelry sales. Event is 7-8 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Details at coastalcatpcola.com.
'GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE' MIDNIGHT RELEASE SLUMBER PARTY Head to Bodacious Bookstore for a midnight release party of Emily Henry's "Great Big Beautiful Life" with beverages, light snacks, giveaways and a copy of the book 10:30 p.m. Monday, April 21 at 110 Intendencia St. Tickets are $40 and available at Eventbrite.
'HOW TO POISON A PLANET' SCREENING Documentary screening is 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolacinemaart.com.
IHMC EVENING LECTURE: THE ART AND NEUROSCIENCE OF SELF-HEALING AND LEARNING The next IHMC evening lecture is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 located at 40 S. Al -
The latest Blue Morning Gallery exhibit is Spring Fling with featured artists Jan Hoffman, Mark Schmitt and Kathy Stewart. The gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
JIMMY RHEA: TO BE DEFINED Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit featuring mixed-media work by Jimmy Rhea that juxtaposes historical icons with contemporary culture is on view through June 1 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. For museum hours and details, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
IN YOUR FACE: PORTRAITS BY GILA RAYBERG Mosaic portraiture by Gila Rayberg. On view through Sept. 7 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.
UWF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Blue Morning Gallery will present its two UWF scholarship recipients, Stephanie Nowlin and Izzy Braniff. Work from the two artists will be in the featured artists area at the gallery through April 26. Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St.
THE MEMBERS SHOW PMA Members show is on view through June 1 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the
STRFKR / Photo by Corinne Schiavone
a&e happenings
first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook. com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
HOOK & COOK Cooking demonstration featuring Christian Wagley with Healthy Gulf and Executive Chef Jason Hughes, themed around local fish and local waters. Event is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at taylor@ goodgrits.com or by calling (850) 287-0200.
EVERYTHING BACON Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student and available at pensacolacooks.com.
HOPPY EASTER AT COASTAL COUNTY
BREWING Adult-only Easter egg hunt with prizes such as free beer cards, raffle tickets and more. Events 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road.
ARABIAN NIGHTS AND ALE Event is 6-9
p.m. Saturday, April 19 with Western Shawarma food truck and belly dancers at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.
FAMILIES COOK: PASTA MAKING Class is 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 19 for ages 6 and up. Located at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classes-and-events.
LUCKY DOG PHOTOSHOOT AND EGG
DECORATING PARTY Customers are encouraged to bring their dogs to the outside patio of the restaurant to take pictures with the Easter Bunny 12-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Event is free and for ages 21 and up.
SWEDISH BREAD BAKING CLASS Class is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $50. Details at tickets at Eventbrite.
SIP AND PAINT YOUR PET Painting event at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Tickets available at thetravelingpainter.org.
STREET FOODS: CHINESE Class is 6-8 p.m.
Friday April 25. Location: Pensacola Cooks Classroom 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classesand-events.
CHEESE PAIRING WITH BEER OR WINE
Cheese and drink event is 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Tickets are $25 and available at Eventbrite.
ROARING '20S MURDER MYSTERY DIN-
NER SHOW Going Noir Mysteries and Seville Quarter presents a Roaring 20s-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner 6-7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Heritage Hall at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $69 and available on Eventbrite.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FREE POOL Free pool all day at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. SIN Night begins at 1 a.m. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy
Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. SIN Night is from 1 a.m. to close Mondays at Sir Richard's Public House, Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos on special all day. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music are 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m. SIN Night starts at 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m. Tequila Night is from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
KARAOKE Karaoke is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials 8 p.m.-12 a.m. and SIN Night from 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and live DJ at 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
a&e happenings
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER
HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 12 a.m. to close Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LIVE MUSIC
MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE Visit Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music:
•6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 17: Forrest Higgins
•6-10 p.m. Friday, April 18: Cat Daddy Blues
•6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 19: Glen Parker
•11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 20: Curt Bol
•6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22: John Wheeler
•6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 24: Michael J. McCartan
BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Whitesands Panhandle Band is April 22 and Smoke Stak Band is April 29. Details at visitpensacolabeach.com.
UWF SINGERS: FAURE REQUIEM The performance will be held Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolfs Music Hall at the Center for Fine
and Performing Arts, 11000 University Pkwy. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Make yours at uwf.edu/cfpa.
WINDOW ANCHOR, TREMORS, KNIVES, WITH FIRE CAME DISPARITY Show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.
JGBCB Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusicband.com.
LUNAR VACATION, HANNAH COLE, SNAKE AND THE RABBIT Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.
DRIVN N CRYIN Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE 80S PARTY Event is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and details at pensacolabaycenter.com.
FLEETWOOD MACH Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and details at pensacolasaenger.com.
WORMROT, NO/MAS, BANDIT, INFERNEM Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, April 20 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
THE MANHATTAN DOLLS: MUSIC OF THE '30S AND 40S Show is 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 21 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
UWF SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT Event is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, 11000 University Pkwy., Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and available at uwf.edu/cfpa.
CLEMENTINE, LIGHTS WITH FIRE, KYKER, OTHER Show is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.
STRFKR Show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS Concerts will take place every Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at 3200 N 12th Ave. Attendees may bring their own food and beverages, though a concession is available, offering hot dogs, chips, sodas, water and ice cream treats. Details at: scpen.org/christophersconcerts. Modern Eldorados play April 24, and Crosstown Band is May 1.
UWF JAZZ ENSEMBLE & COMBO Performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, 11000 University Pkwy., Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and available at uwf.edu/cfpa.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
GULF COAST CHORALE'S SPRING SHOW
Gulf Coast Chorale's Spring Show is scheduled for Friday, April 25 at First Baptist Church Gulf Breeze, 555 Fairpoint Drive at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at gulfcoastchorale.org.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY
Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
a&e happenings
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke is 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN
BREWING CO. Take part in musical bingo 7 p.m. Thursdays at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Admission is free. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S
Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights to Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S
Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook. com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour Clean Ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On April 19, the sites are Chimney Park and Bayfront Pkwy/ Veteran's Park. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.
BLUE WAHOOS HOME GAMES The Blue Wahoos home games are held at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 315 W. Cedar St. Upcoming dates include: 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, Wednesday, April 23, Thursday, April 24, Friday, April 25, Saturday, April 26 and 1:05 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Details and tickets at bluewahoos.com.
ISLAND FIGHTS 88 Event is 7 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and details at pensacolabaycenter.com.
FLORA-BAMA MULLET SWING GOLF
TOURNAMENT The 27th Annual Mullet Swing Golf Classic will be a 4-person scramble. Maxi-
mum handicap per player is 30. Event is 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 23 at 17401 Perdido Key Drive. Details at florabama.com/mullet-swing-golf.
VINO AND VINYASA: A YOGA CLASS Yoga class with Halldora Hart 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $40 and available at Eventbrite.
EMERALD NATIONALS Three-day national championship is April 25-27 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $30-$95. Details at pensacolabaycenter.com.
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.
TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA Take in a slow flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun
6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
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free will astrology
WEEK OF APRIL 17
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): I am always surprised when there appears yet another authoritative article or book that implies there is one specific right approach to meditation. The truth is, however, that there are many ways. Here's teacher Christopher Bamford: "Meditation is naturally individual, uniquely our own. There are no rules. Just as every potter will elaborate their own way of making pots, so everyone who meditates will shape their own meditation." This is excellent counsel for you right now, Aries. The planetary alignments tell me you have extra power to define and develop your unique style of meditation. Key point: have fun as you go deeper and deeper.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): From 1501 to 1504, the artist Michelangelo worked to create a 17-feet-tall marble sculpture of the Biblical king known as David. Today it stands in Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia and is one of the most famous statues in the world. But the block of marble from which it was carved had a troubled beginning. Two other artists worked on it but ultimately abandoned their efforts, regarding the raw material as flawed. Michelangelo saw potential where they didn't. He coaxed a masterpiece from what they rejected. Be like him in the coming weeks, dear Taurus. Look for treasure in situations that others deem unremarkable. Find the beauty hidden from the rest of the world.
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): In more than a few ancient cultures, dolphins were regarded as playful allies that would guide lost ships and assist sailors in stress. In ancient Greek myth, dolphins were sacred companions and agents of the sea god. In Maori culture, dolphins were thought to deliver important messages that were unavailable any other way. Many modern Westerners downplay stories like these. But according to my philosophy, spirit allies like dolphins are still very much available for those who are open to them. Are you, Cancerian? I'm pleased to tell you that magical helpers and divine intermediaries will offer you mysterious and useful counsel in the coming weeks—if you are receptive to the possibility.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Do you know about the Leo liberator Simón Bolívar (1783–1830)? This Venezuelan statesman and military officer accomplished a cornucopia of good works. Through his leadership, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Bolivia and Ecuador gained independence from the Spanish Empire. He was one of history's greatest crusaders for liberal democracy. I propose we make him one of your inspiring symbols for the next 12 months. May he inspire you, too, to be a courageous emancipator who helps create a better world.
your symbol of power in the coming weeks, Libra. May it inspire you to find harmony by dealing with contrasts and paradoxes. May it encourage you to balance logic and emotion, work and rest, light and shadow, independence and partnership. I hope you will trust your ability to mediate and inspire cooperation.
to party." I agree with her assessments and am happy to announce that the rowdier sides of your nature are due for full expression in the coming weeks. I don't know if that will involve you "dancing on tables," an activity Kelly ascribes to you. But I bet it will at least include interludes we can describe as "untamed."
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The Judean date palm was considered extinct for over 800 years. Then scientists germinated a 2,000-yearold seed discovered in the ancient fortress of Masada. That was 20 years ago. Today, the tree, named Methuselah, is still thriving. Let's regard this as your metaphor of power, Gemini. You, too, are now capable of reviving a long-dormant possibility. An old dream or relationship might show unexpected signs of life. Like that old seed, something you thought was lost could flourish if you give it your love and attention.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Virgo conductor Leonard Bernstein was a global superstar because of his stellar musicianship, activism, philanthropy and teaching. He transformed classical music by dissolving barriers between "high" and "low" culture, bringing elegant symphonies to popular audiences while promoting respect for jazz and pop. He wanted all kinds of music to be accessible to all kinds of listeners. I think you are currently capable of Bernstein-like synergies, Virgo. You can bridge different worlds not only for your own benefit, but also others'. You have extra power to accomplish unlikely combinations and enriching mergers. Be a unifier.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): A rainbow is gorgeous, with its spectacular multi-hued arc sweeping across the sky. Here's another element of its poetic appeal: it happens when sunlight and rain collaborate. In a sense, it's a symbol of the sublimity that may emerge from a synergy of brightness and darkness. Let's make the rainbow
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): You now have more power than usual to transform ordinary things into extraordinary things. Your imagination will work at peak levels as you meditate on how to repurpose existing resources in creative ways. What other people might regard as irrelevant or inconsequential could be useful tools in your hands. I invite you to give special attention to overlooked assets. They may have hidden potentials waiting for you to unlock them.
SAGITTARIUS
(NOV. 22-DEC. 21): If you google the term "the religion of work," many critical references come up. They condemn the ways humans place an inordinate importance on the jobs they do, thereby sacrificing their health and soulfulness. The derogatory English term "workaholic" is a descriptor for those whose are manically devoted to "the religion of work." But now let's shift gears. The artist Maruja Mallo (1902–1995) conjured a different version of "the religion of work." Her paintings celebrated, even expressed reverence for, the agricultural laborers of rural Spain. She felt their positive attitudes toward their tasks enhanced their health and soulfulness. In the coming weeks, Sagittarius, I invite you to explore Mallo's version of the religion of work.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Astrologer Aliza Kelly likes Capricorns for their "fearless ambition, limitless resilience and ability to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenging adversity." But she also praises their "secret wild side." She writes, "Inside every earnest Capricorn is a mischievous troublemaker" that "loves
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In 1922, Aquarian author James Joyce published "Ulysses," a novel recognized as one of the masterworks of 20th-century world literature. Seventeen years later, he produced "Finnegans Wake," an uproarious experimental novel that was universally reviled when it first emerged because of its wild wordplay, unusual plot and frantic energy. In the ensuing years, though, it has also come to be regarded as a monument of brilliant creativity. It's one of my favorite books, and I'm glad Joyce never wavered in his commitment to producing such an epic work of genius. Anyway, Aquarius, I'm guessing you have been toiling away at your own equivalent of "Finnegans Wake." I beg you to maintain your faith. Keep going.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Years ago, in the early days of my infatuation with a new lover, she put a blindfold on me and ushered me around the city of Columbia, S.C. The goal was to enhance my non-visual senses. The experiment worked. I heard, smelled, and felt things I would never have noticed unless my dominating eyesight had been muffled. Ever since, my non-visual senses have operated with more alacrity. This fun project also improved the way I use my eyes. The coming days would be an excellent time for you to try a similar adventure, Pisces. If my idea isn't exactly engaging to you, come up with your own. You will benefit profoundly from enhancing your perceptual apparatus.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What could you do to transform one of your uncertainties into creative energy? {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny
THE CONTINUING CRISIS In December 2022, Mark Lucas, owner of HCS Furniture in Buckinghamshire, England, parked his 6-month-old work van in a stacked car park in central London, the BBC reported. It's still there. In this type of structure, mechanical platforms and lifts are used to stack the cars on top of each other, saving space. When Lucas went to retrieve the electric van, he was told he couldn't because "the stacking system had malfunctioned." He and his co-owner, Steve Davies, rented another van, which they thought would be a temporary fix, but after a couple of years, "we gave the hire van back and took out another loan to buy a second van," Davies said. In January 2024, Lucas was told the garage repairs were unlikely to happen before May 2024, but losses would be recoverable from the responsible party. But the partners can't claim losses until the van is freed. "While we're trying to grow the business, we can't because we have all this," Lucas said.
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE An already difficult day was made even more dreadfully memorable on April 7 in Philadelphia, the Western Standard reported. As pallbearers maneuvered a casket to a graveside service at Green Mountain Cemetery, the plywood platform above the burial hole gave way, sending them sprawling and causing injuries to legs, hands and backs. The son of the deceased was pinned under the casket and briefly lost consciousness, according to the deceased's stepdaughter, Maribel Rodriguez. "It was just a horrible incident that happened in a bad moment," she said. The family is hoping for an apology and possible reimbursement for the chaos.
OVERREACTION On April 1, Steven Cusumano, 45, stopped at a kids' lemonade stand in a Clearwater, Florida, neighborhood for a refreshing drink, The Smoking Gun reported. He purchased one glass but "became angry when he was not allowed to refill his cup," police said. Cusumano admitted that he then "grabbed the victim by the wrist aggressively ... telling the victim he would beat her up." The victim's age was not reported. He walked away but was caught soon after the incident. He was charged with felony battery because of his extensive rap sheet and held on $5,000 bond.
THE ARISTOCRATS! Prince Laurent, 61, of Belgium, lost a court battle on April 7 in which he argued that he should receive social security benefits from the government, The Guardian reported. The prince argued that his work entitled him to the same support received by entrepreneurs, and that he was arguing over "principle" rather than money. But he was quick to point out medical costs and his concerns over his family's well-being to the court. However, the court ruled that his duties were more akin to the civil service, which is not covered by social security. Laurent received about $426,000 last year and lives in his home rent-free.
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
ANIMAL ANTICS A reporter from WFLA-TV was embedded in a war zone on April 9—not in the Middle East, but in Sarasota, Florida, where he went to report on a couple of fierce hawks. "It's not often you have to go to a story wearing a riot gear helmet and carrying an umbrella on a sunny day for protection," said reporter Jeff Patterson. Even so, a hawk attacked the helmet and left a gash in it. The hawks are nesting outside the business of Odalys Hayes, making it hard for clients to safely park and come inside. "The minute you go in the walkway here, you get attacked," Hayes said. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer called to the scene was attacked, and both Hayes' husband and son have suffered the hawks' wrath. She said her husband was attacked eight times just while taking out the garbage. Unfortunately, the FWC informed her that the hawks are protected. "I can't do anything while the nest is there," she said. One expert recommended moving the nest when the fledglings are gone and putting up noisemakers and shiny objects to keep them from coming back.
NEWS
YOU CAN USE Here's a little factoid you may have missed: There are 96 bags of human waste left on the moon from the Apollo space missions. In an effort to curb any more space contamination, NASA is offering $3 million to anyone who can figure out how to recycle feces and other human waste in space and on the moon, United Press International reported on April 9. The LunaRecycle Challenge technology will be used on long spaceflights and at longterm outposts.
•An unnamed man in Chonqing, China, was admitted to a hospital after suffering a persistent cough, Oddity Central reported on April 9. Doctors noted suspicious shadows in his right lung on scans, and a bronchoscopy showed that he had a fungal lung disease. The man admitted that he had developed a habit of smelling his dirty socks when he removed them at the end of the day. Doctors tested some of his worn socks and found the Aspergillus infection that caused the lung disease.
IT'S COME TO THIS Part of the "fun" of hiking is the exertion involved, but now the Lingshan Scenic Area in eastern China has made climbing to the top effortless, Oddity Central reported on April 7. The location has installed a series of linked escalators, scheduled to open in May, from the foot of a 1,500-meter-high mountain to the top. What was a twohour trek will now take just a few minutes, and the views will be accessible to the elderly and those with disabilities. {in}
From
Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2025 Andrews McMeel
